And now to define a crucial yet commonly misunderstood industry term: check avail.
After completing a successful audition, a casting director may decide to put an actor on check avail. This request reserves a certain amount of dates for an upcoming shoot. Although those potential shooting dates are reserved on the actor's calendar, they have not yet officially booked the role. The casting director will often put multiple actors on check avail and then make a decision on the best candidate after consulting with their studio. While you are on check avail, it is important to remain patient and transparent with your agent. It usually takes several days for the studio to reach a final decision, so make sure those dates remain free and available. After the studio and casting director make their decision, you’ll either book the project or be released, freeing your schedule for other potential projects. If you are released from a check avail, do not lose hope! Because you’ve made it this far into the process, it’s only a matter of time before you book a future role. The casting director enjoys your work, so keep the hope alive! Stay positive, Andrew
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Stay positive,
Andrew In an incessantly sarcastic, pseudo-modern society where irony runs rampant, many artists have surrendered to the same cynicism and self-deprecation by which they are subjected. Irony-laced quips muddle sincere truths; pessimism has become tragically hip. This unabashed reliance on sarcasm has shamelessly replaced genuine sentiment, and the effects are staggering. Daily conversation is drenched with deceit, art is content with contempt, and entertainment is rife with rancor.
Paralyzed by such a dismal state of creative existence, it is imperative for the artist to awaken to a more genuine movement: practicing sincerity. In truth, the artist should strive to abandon all forms irony and uphold a sincere sense of self. This certainly isn’t a newly minted concept. The New Sincerity movement was paved in the late ‘80’s, implored by David Foster Wallace in the ‘90’s, and revitalized by Jesse Thorn several years later. However, it is a rarely visited ideology, one that is truly vital in such cynical times. It is, quite simply, the right way to live. By practicing sincerity in their craft, artists create approachable aesthetics, encouraging growth and spontaneity. A culture is formed, art is produced, society thrives. Many artists are already practicing sincerity: filmmakers such as Wes Anderson, Miranda July, and Michel Gondry; playwrights like Annie Baker, Philip Dawkins, and Samuel D. Hunter; and a new wave of emo bands epitomizes the movement, with Annabel, Foxing, and Into It. Over It. at the forefront. It’s a beautiful way to live, love, and create. So scrap the sardonic state of existence and sincerity will shine. Uphold it, speak it, and breathe it. Let’s make a change. Stay positive, Andrew It’s no secret that most artists have a day job. And let’s face it, those jobs can be pretty mundane. But there is hope! I’ve discovered several methods of coping with the workweek in order to remain active and engaged after clocking out at the end of the day:
1.) Bike to work. Commuting via bicycle is an excellent way to exercise and meditate before and after the workday. It’s an easy, environmentally friendly way to stay active and engaged so that the creative juices are still flowing even after the sun goes down. 2.) Write at least one creative thought every day. Whether it’s a sketch outline, inspiration for a character, or simply a line of dialogue, record ideas to keep the mind stimulated. Write them in a journal or document them on a word processor, and then flesh out those notes after the workday. 3.) Go outside. The office isn’t a prison. Vitamin D is imperative. Take a break and soak up the sun for a few minutes. 4.) Read during breaks. Stimulate the mind. Dive into a book rather than glossing over social media. Scrolling a Facebook newsfeed or swiping right on Tinder rots the brain, while reading engages the imagination. 5.) Avoid drinking alcohol. While this is a given during work hours, try to avoid pounding booze the night before as well. An average workday is already a mental drain, made even worse by an awful hangover. All productivity is lost with dehydration and fatigue, so stay sober and stimulated throughout the week. 6.) Stay positive. Maintain a confident and optimistic demeanor while on the clock. Treat coworkers with respect. Be amiable, knowing that a positive attitude will help the day breeze on by. 7.) Daydream. Envision success. Dream realistically, but also dream big. Imagine a successful artistic life outside of the workplace, and then strive to achieve those dreams after clocking out. Above all, remember to thrive on passion rather than succumbing to the work. A day job is merely the means to eat, drink, and pay rent. Focus energy on creating art. Never lose that focus. Stay positive, Andrew |
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April 2017
FootnotesSome thoughts on art, life, and theatre. Stay positive. Categories |